Comelec Suspends Proclamation of Duterte Youth, BH Party-lists Amid Pending Petitions

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

MANILA, Philippines — In a dramatic turn of events during Monday’s proclamation of winning party-list groups, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended the proclamation of two controversial party-lists Duterte Youth and Bagong Henerasyon (BH) due to unresolved legal petitions against their candidacies.

The announcement was made during the official canvassing and proclamation ceremony held at the Tent City of Manila Hotel, where Comelec, acting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), confirmed the suspension through a formal resolution.

“In its recommendation dated May 17, 2025, the supervisory committee advised the suspension of the proclamation of Duterte Youth and Bagong Henerasyon,” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia. “Given the serious allegations raised in the petitions which involve grave violations of election laws the NBOC resolves to suspend their proclamation until a speedy and judicious resolution is made.”

The nature of the allegations has not been disclosed publicly, but insiders say they pertain to questions of qualification, compliance with electoral regulations, and possible misrepresentation. Legal experts suggest that if proven, these violations could lead to disqualification or loss of congressional seats.

Duterte Youth, a party-list aligned with the former president's political base, garnered 2,338,564 votes the second highest among all groups which would have secured them three seats in the House of Representatives. BH, on the other hand, obtained 319,803 votes, enough to earn one congressional seat.

Despite the setback, the Comelec went ahead with the proclamation of 54 other party-list groups, which were collectively allotted 63 seats in the lower chamber. Party-list groups Akbayan and Tingog emerged as top contenders with Akbayan securing 2,779,621 votes and Tingog following closely with 1,822,708 both gaining three seats each.

Political analysts noted that the suspension is a significant move, reflecting Comelec’s firm stance on electoral accountability. “This is a clear message that the commission is taking compliance seriously no one is above the law, no matter how many votes they get,” said election lawyer Atty. Maria Llanes.

As the legal battles unfold, all eyes are on the Clerk of the Commission, where the petitions are currently lodged. Both Duterte Youth and BH have yet to issue official statements in response to the suspension.

Meanwhile, lawmakers and watchdog groups have lauded Comelec’s decision as a step towards preserving the integrity of the party-list system, which has often been criticized for being infiltrated by traditional political interests.

The resolution to suspend the two groups’ proclamation underscores Comelec’s evolving role not just as a canvasser of votes, but also as a guardian of democratic values.